JPH06339459A - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an endoscope device enhanced in its ability to make a diagnosis on an examinee by proper dimming of light. CONSTITUTION:Brightness is increased at the press of a brightness-increasing switch and is decreased at the press of brightness-decreasing switch. The brightness is set to a reference value at the press of a reference brightness switch. In response to an indication from a vertical fluctuation switch, a diaphragm control circuit 66 drives a diaphragm 36 under control of a dimming circuit 64 so that the diaphragm 36 reciprocates between a wide open position and a completely closed position. When the brightness-fixing switch is pressed, automatic dimming control is started to keep the quantity of illuminating light at a dimming level at that point thus enabling proper brightness to be maintained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus equipped with means for improving diagnostic ability.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, television cameras using a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD as an image pickup means have become widespread, and this image pickup means has also been applied to an endoscope.

Conventionally, visible light (about 400 to 700 nm) is imaged by the CCD or the like, converted into a video signal, and color-displayed on an observation monitor. Therefore, there is a problem that only the same image as what is visually observed with the fiberscope can be obtained, and the diagnostic ability is similar to that of the fiberscope.

Therefore, when image processing or image analysis is performed on the endoscopic image signal, the following has been found.

(A) The inner wall of the body cavity has a reddish color,
When only the red component is visualized, the high-frequency component is small (smiling displacement on the subject does not have a large difference between brightness and darkness), or it looks as if there is haze, and the contrast in the entire visible wavelength range is reduced. ing.

(B) On the other hand, the red component has excellent submucosal permeability, and is more excellent in the ability to visualize submucosal blood vessels than the green and blue components. That is, when trying to see a submucosal blood vessel, the green and blue components reduce the contrast. (c) The green component may have a high human visibility characteristic, but it is also the main difference between light and dark in an endoscopic image. In addition, the amount of information is larger than that of the blue component (the inner wall of the body cavity originally has a small amount of bluish color, and the solid-state imaging device generally has a low sensitivity to blue). Since the blue component has a short wavelength, it is reflected at the very surface of the inner wall of the body cavity. As a result, it is excellent in the ability to visualize fine irregularities.

However, if only the red component is displayed in red, only the green component is displayed in green, and only the blue component is displayed in blue, it becomes extremely difficult to see. Moreover, a proper dimming state cannot be obtained.

[0008]

As described above, it is important that the endoscope is in a proper dimming state in its observation in order to enhance the diagnostic ability of the subject. However,
The subject of the endoscope is, for example, the inside of a body cavity, and there are cases where the same screen has fine irregularities as described above, or there are large irregularities. When viewed from the endoscope, these irregularities are in the perspective, and the concave portions are dark and the convex portions are bright. In an object in which a bright part and a dark part are mixed due to unevenness even when illuminated with illumination light, the appropriate brightness differs depending on the part to be viewed. The same thing can happen in different cases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an endoscope apparatus capable of obtaining appropriate light control according to an observation target such as a case of a disease and enhancing the diagnostic ability of a subject. With the goal.

[0010]

According to the invention described in claim 1, an endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject,
An illumination unit that emits illumination light that illuminates the subject, and a light amount control unit that performs dimming control so that the light amount of the illumination light is automatically increased or decreased at least in a predetermined procedure. ing.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a first instructing means for giving an instruction to the light quantity control means to start the dimming control, and the dimming control started in the light quantity control means. The light amount control means has a second instruction means capable of giving an instruction to the light amount control means so as to stop the light control, and the light amount control means has the first instruction according to the instruction from the second instruction means. The dimming control started by the instruction of the instructing means is stopped, and the dimming level at the time when the stop instruction is issued is set as a reference level, and the light amount of the illumination light is dimming controlled so as to maintain this reference level. It is configured to do.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the light amount control means automatically increases or decreases the light amount of the illumination light in accordance with a predetermined procedure set in advance, thereby confirming an appropriate dimming level. Or you can set it.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the light quantity control means automatically increases or decreases the light quantity of the illumination light in accordance with the instruction of the first instruction means in a predetermined procedure set in advance. You can check or set the dimming level. Further, when the proper dimming level is reached, the light amount control means stops the dimming control by giving an instruction by the second instructing means, and the dimming level at the time when the stop instruction is issued is the reference level. Since the light amount of the illumination light is controlled so as to maintain this reference level, it is possible to set and maintain the desired level, that is, after confirming an appropriate dimming level suitable for the subject. it can.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment has a fiberscope 2 and the fiberscope 2.
Light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to the fiberscope 2
Camera head 5 attached to the eyepiece section 4, a video processor 6 having a signal processing means for the camera head 5, and a plurality of (first, second, second) for displaying video signals output from the video processor 6. (3rd, 4th) observation monitors 7, 8, 9, 10 and these monitors 7, 8, 9,
VTR12 connected by 10 and video switcher 11
And a fifth observation monitor 13 connected to the output terminal of the VTR 12.

The fiberscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 14, a light guide is inserted into the insertion portion 14, and the light guide is inserted through a light guide cable extended from the operation portion. White light is supplied from the light source device 3. That is, the white light of the lamp 15 is condensed and emitted to the incident end surface of the light guide by the condenser lens 15a. The subject illuminated by the light guide is imaged by an objective lens attached to the tip of the insertion portion 14 and transmitted to the eyepiece 4 side by the image guide. Then, the imaging lens 16 in the camera head 5 which is detachably attached to the eyepiece unit 4
An image is formed on the CCD 17 by. The camera head 5 is C
It is a single plate type color image pickup means in which a mosaic filter 17a is attached to the image pickup surface of the CD 17. (Of course, it may be a three-plate type or a three-tube type color image pickup means.) The CCD 17 of the camera head 5 reads out the image signal charge by a drive signal of a drive circuit (not shown) in the video processor 6, and The video signal processing means in the video processor 6 outputs the NTSC composite video signal from the NTSC output end 18, and outputs the RGB video signal from the NTSC system RGB output end 19.
The RGB output terminal 19 includes a Red signal output terminal (denoted as R-OUT in FIG. 1), a Green signal output terminal (denoted as G-OUT in FIG. 1), and a Blue signal output terminal (denoted as G-OUT). In FIG. 1, it is described as B-OUT.) And S
The synchro signal output terminal (denoted as S-OUT in FIG. 1) and four terminals.

4 of the output terminals 19 of the video processor 6
A monitor 7 connected to the terminals, R, G, B terminals and S-
The monitors 8, 9 and 10 connected to the terminals and the monitor 13 connected to the VTR 12 are all monitors capable of external synchronization, and perform display in synchronization with the synchronization signal output from the S- terminal. Further, at least the first monitor 7 and the fifth monitor 13 are color monitors, while the second, third, and third monitors are provided.
The fourth monitors 8, 9 and 10 may be monochrome monitors or color monitors.

The first monitor 7 is an NTSC type RG.
It is an NTSC-RGB type observation monitor having a B video signal input terminal.

On the other hand, the second, third and fourth monitors 8, 9, 1
0 is the NTSC composite video signal input terminal (NTS
C-IN) and an NTSC-Synchro signal input terminal (S-IN) and an NTSC composite video signal output terminal (NTSC-OUT), which is an NTSC composite system monitor, which is externally synchronized by the Synchro signal and is output from the NTSC-IN. Displays the contents of the video signal and displays the video signal from NTSC-IN as NT.
Output from SC-OUT.

The fifth monitor 13 is an NTSC composite system monitor, and the VTR 12 is an NTSC composite system VTR, which has an NTSC composite video signal input terminal (NTSC-IN), a Synchro signal input terminal (S-IN) and It has an NTSC composite video signal output terminal (NTSC-OUT) for recording and playback. Here, the recording / playback signal includes a synchronization signal.

By the way, the first monitor 7 measures the spectral intensity of the lamp 15 in the light source device 3 or the fiberscope 2
Of the light guide and the image guide, the image pickup means of the camera head 5, that is, the spectral sensitivity of the CCD 17 and the color filter characteristic of the mosaic color filter 17a, the color characteristic of the signal processing system of the video processor 6, and the first monitor 7. An endoscopic image in a wavelength range (generally equal to the entire visible light range) determined by the color characteristics of is displayed in color with predetermined color reproducibility.

The second, third and fourth monitors 8, 9, 10
, The red, green and blue components of the endoscopic image are displayed in black and white, respectively.

Here, the wavelength ranges and spectral characteristics of the red component, green component, and blue component are determined by the above-mentioned various characteristics. In particular, when the color imaging means of the camera head 5 is a single-tube camera and outputs Y (luminance signal), RY, and BY signals, an NTSC-RGB video signal is created from these signals. The wavelength range is mainly determined by the matrix of the inverse matrix circuit (which is inside the video processor 6) and the spectral transmission characteristics of the color filter.

The brightness of each image displayed on the second, third and fourth monitors 8, 9 and 10 is often not appropriate depending on the subject. In general, since the inner wall of the body cavity is reddish, the second monitor 8 is overwhelmed and the fourth monitor 10
Is often underlined. Therefore, the brightness is adjusted by the brightness adjusting mechanism provided in the second, third and fourth monitors 8, 9 and 10. Similarly, the output from the VTR 12 is corrected each time by the brightness adjusting mechanism in the fifth monitor 13.

When the NTSC composite video signal from the video processor 6 is input to an NTSC composite system monitor and displayed with the chroma (saturation) reduced, a black and white image is obtained, which is 0.30R + 0.59G + 0.11B.
Since it contains all wavelength band components, the diagnostic advantages unique to each wavelength band component are hampered when compared to black and white display of each wavelength band component only (that is, only each wavelength band component is displayed. The ones that did have greater diagnostic benefits.)

It should be noted that the VTR 12 can record the color blue / blue signal selected by the switcher 11 or can also record a normal NTSC composite (color) video signal, and thus the selected color signal can be displayed on the monitor 13. In addition to being able to do so, normal color display is also possible.

According to the first embodiment, since it is possible to selectively display in black and white only with the color signal components in each wavelength range, different features can be made noticeable for the same diagnostic site, and diagnostic ability can be improved. Can be improved.

FIG. 2 shows an endoscope apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
1 is shown.

The endoscope apparatus 21 of the second embodiment includes an electronic scope 22, a frame sequential light source unit 23 for supplying illumination light to the electronic scope 22, and a signal processing means for the electronic scope 22. An endoscope control device (video processor) 24 and an NTSC-RGB system monitor 2 for displaying a video signal processed by the video processor 24.
5 and NTSC-composite video system monitor 26,
A keyboard 27 for performing various signal processing, a VTR 28 for recording / reproducing a composite video signal input to the monitor 26, a still video floppy device (abbreviated as SVF) 29 for photographing, and other recording devices. (Abbreviated as AUX) 30 and a floppy disk drive device (abbreviated as FDD) 31.

A light guide 32 is inserted into the electronic scope 22, and the illumination light supplied from the light source section 23 to the incident end face is transmitted, and is emitted from the emission end face to the subject side through the illumination lens 33. The light source unit 23 collimates the illumination light of the illumination lamp 34 by a collimating lens 35, passes it through a diaphragm 36 which constitutes a light amount control means, and then passes through a rotary filter 38 rotated by a motor 37, red, green,
After the illumination light of each wavelength range of blue is formed, it is condensed by the condenser lens 39 and is irradiated on the incident end surface of the light guide 32.

A fan-shaped red transmission filter 40R, a green transmission filter 40G, and a blue transmission filter 40B are attached to the rotary filter 38. By rotating the rotary filter 38, the respective color transmission filters 40R, 40G, and 40B are sequentially passed through the optical path. Interposed inside. Therefore, the incident end surface of the light guide 32 is illuminated with red, green, and blue illumination light in time series, and the subject is also illuminated with red, green, and blue illumination light sequentially.

The subject illuminated by the illumination light transmitted by the light guide 32 is imaged on the image pickup surface of the CCD 42 by the objective lens 41 attached to the tip of the electronic scope 22.

The CCD 42 photoelectrically converts the optical image and accumulates it as signal charge, and the CCD in the video processor 24
The sample and hold circuit 4 in the video processor 24 is read by applying a drive signal from the driver 43, amplified by the preamplifier 44, and then passed through the signal cable.
It is input to 5, and is sample-held. The signal sampled and held by the sample and hold circuit 45 is
After being converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 47 via the multiplexer 46, they are written in the R frame memory 48R, the G frame memory 48G, and the B frame memory 48B.

The sampling pulse of the sample and hold circuit 45 is generated in synchronization with the timing signal from the timing control circuit 49. Further, the switching of the multiplexer 46 is controlled in synchronization with the timing signal of the timing control circuit 49.

For example, the timing control circuit 49 includes the color transmission filters 40R, 40G, 4 in the light source section 23.
At the end of the period in which 0B is interposed in the optical path, that is, each of the red, green, and blue illumination periods, a timing signal for outputting a drive signal is applied to the CCD driver 43, and the multiplexer 46 is switched (this multiplexer). The switching of 46 may be before the end time of the end period).

The red transmission filter (hereinafter abbreviated as R filter; the same applies to the other transmission filters 40G and 40B) 40R has a peak at about 600 nm and has a wavelength of about 535.
It transmits light in the wavelength range of about 700 nm. Also, the G filter 40G has a peak at about 535 nm and has a peak at about 470 nm.
˜transmits about 605 nm. B filter 40B is about 450
It has a peak at nm and transmits from about 390 nm to about 520 nm. In this way, the R, G, B filters 40R, 40G, 4
The transmission wavelength range of 0B overlaps, but this is to improve the color reproducibility during normal color observation. Even in this case, this embodiment is sufficiently effective, but it is desirable that no overlap occurs. Therefore, the rotary filter 38 may be replaced with the non-overlapping R, G, B filters so that the rotary filter 38 can be used.

In this embodiment, although the frame-sequential color image pickup system is used, in the case of an electronic scope with a built-in color filter for performing color image pickup under white illumination, the transmission wavelength range of the color filter attached to the CCD is used. It is desirable that they do not overlap. However, even if they overlap, only the specific wavelength range component can be output by the image processing described later.

The lens 35 and the condenser lens 39 for converting the illumination light of the illumination lamp 34 into a parallel light flux, and the light guide 3
2, the illumination lens 33 and the objective lens 41 transmit and transmit light in the entire visible range, and the CCD 42 has sensitivity to light of at least about 390 to 700 nm.

The electronic scope 22 has five first and first
Second, third, fourth and fifth switches 51, 52, 53, 5
4, 55 are provided in the operation unit, and the video processor 24
It is connected to the image switching control circuit 56 inside.

By the way, the R, G, B frame memories 48R, 48G, 48B are read and adjusted at the same time as the signals picked up under the illumination light of red, green, and blue are written one frame at a time. Input to the color / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61
After color matching, matrix conversion, and various calculations,
It is input to the contrast conversion circuit 62, and the contrast conversion is performed. After that, it is input to the contour emphasis circuit 63,
A dimming circuit 6 which performs edge enhancement and constitutes light amount control means.
4 is input. The signal input from the dimming circuit 64 is output to the color processing circuit 65 at the next stage, and at the same time, the dimming control signal is generated to form the light amount control means.
6, and the diaphragm control device 66 controls the diaphragm amount of the diaphragm 36. The diaphragm control device 66 includes a diaphragm 36, a motor for rotating the diaphragm 36, and a motor driver (not shown).

After the color processing is performed by the color processing circuit 65 and converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 67, a character signal or the like input to the superimpose circuit 68 and input from the keyboard 27 is input. After being superimposed, it is output from the RGB output terminals to the monitor 25 and also to the NTSC conversion circuit 69. This NT
The NTSC composite video signal from the SC conversion circuit 69 is output from the NTSC composite video output terminal to VTR2.
8, SVF 29, AUX 30 and switcher 71. The output terminals of the VTR 28, SFV 29, and AUX 30 are connected to the switcher 71, and the selected one is displayed on the monitor 26.

An operation panel 72 is provided on the front surface of the video processor 24, and operations of switches and the like on the panel 72 are transmitted to the image switching control circuit 56 and
The selection of the switcher 71 can be controlled by this switch operation.

By the way, the first switch 51 provided on the operation portion of the electronic scope 22 is a release switch,
It has the following release functions.

When the first switch 51 is pressed, the SVF 29
Then, a release trigger signal is given to the AUX 30. The release trigger signal is sent to the operation panel 7 shown in FIG.
It can also be generated by the release switch 74 provided in 2.

The release switch 74 is provided with an LED 75 indicated by a circle. The rectangular switch not marked with a circle is a push button switch without an LED, and the circle marked with a circle is an illuminated push button switch with an LED provided in the center.

Therefore, when the first switch 51 or the release switch 74 is pressed, the release is performed by the command from the image switching control circuit 56. At this time, release switch 74
LED 75 is turned on for 0.5 seconds and then automatically turned off. (It is off during normal times.) This is to announce that the release has been made.

Next, the freeze function will be described.

The second switch 52 is a freeze switch. When the second switch 52 is pressed, it freezes, and when it is pressed again, the freeze is released. Since this freeze function is performed by stopping the writing to the frame memories 48R, 48G, and 48B, the circuits in the subsequent stage (that is, the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 6) are also operated during the freeze.
1, the contrast conversion circuit 62, the contour enhancement circuit 63, the color processing circuit 65, the superimposing circuit 68, etc.) operate.

When the freeze switch 77 of the freeze switch group 76 of the operation panel 72 is pressed, the freeze is released,
Pressing the freeze release switch 78 releases the freeze. LED 75 of freeze switch 77 during freeze
Lights up, and in normal times LED 7 of freeze release switch 78
5 lights up.

Next, the output switching function will be described.

Output changeover switch group 81 of the operation panel 72
Each of the AUX output switch 82, the SVF output switch 83, the VTR output switch 84, and the SCOPE output switch 85 that compose the above is selected from four options, and the video switcher 71 is controlled according to the result, so that the AUX 30 or the SVF is controlled.
29 or VTR 28 or NTS of NTSC conversion circuit 69
The C composite video signal is selected and output to the monitor 26. In this case, the selected switches 82, 83,
The LEDs 75 of 84 and 85 are turned on, and the others are turned off.

Next, the VTR control function will be described.

VTR forming the VTR ON / OFF switch group 86 when the VTR 28 is in the REC PAUSE state
When the TR ON switch 87 is pressed, it becomes REC PLAY, and the LED 75 of this switch 87 lights up. On the other hand, when the VTR OFF switch 88 is pressed, the REC P
It becomes AUSE, and the LED 75 of this switch 88 lights up.

On the other hand, when the VTR 28 is PAUSE, V
When the TRON switch 87 is pressed, it becomes PLAY and the LED 75 of this switch 87 lights up, while VTR OF
When the F switch 88 is pressed, it becomes PAUSE, and the LED 75 of this switch 88 lights up.

Next, the toning function will be described. The toning function operates only when the normal output switch 91 is set (selected) in the arithmetic switch group 89 and the normal output switch 93 is set in the color selection switch group 92, and becomes the reference gain in other cases. .

However, at this reference gain, the entire visible light region is normally displayed in color. In the colorization switch group 94, when the black-and-white display switch 95 is set, each gain of R, G, B returns to the standard. That is, the toning function does not work. When the pseudo color switch 96 of the colorization switch group 94 is selected, this switch group 94 operates in the same manner as the normal image switch 97.

Toning switch group 98 of the operation panel 72
Are red, blue, pink, yellow, and white gain increasing switches 101, 102, 10 to the right of R, G, Pi, Ye, W.
3, 104, 105 are provided, and the gain reduction switches 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 are provided on the left side of the three.
Is provided. Then, these switches 101-11
Corresponding to the operation of 0, toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61
Changes the color intermittently. For example, when the switch 101 is pressed once, the gain of R is increased by one step and becomes reddish by one step, and when it is pressed once more, it becomes reddish by another step. Since the dimming circuit 64 performs dimming based on the output signal from the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61, the brightness is constant even if the color changes.

When the switch 103 is pressed, for example,
Step becomes pinkish, and when you press switch 104, it becomes 1
Step becomes yellowish. Also, when the switch 105 is pressed, it becomes whitish one step. (Saturation decreases.)
Since the dimming circuit 64 is in the subsequent stage, the brightness is constant in both cases.

By the way, it is the doctor, not the color adjustment specialist, who performs the endoscopy. For this reason, it is easier to directly make the color pinkish, yellowish, or whitish rather than controlling the amount of red and blue to adjust the color. It should be noted that the whitish here does not mean the brightness but means that the saturation is high or low. Brightness can be adjusted separately. In addition, it may be made more greenish, orangeish, or bluish, but pink, yellow, and white are particularly important.

The R, G and B gains are controlled by a known method structurally.

When the reference color switch 111 of the color adjustment switch group 98 is pressed, the reference gain is applied to each of the R, G and B components, and the reference color balance is achieved. At that time, the LED 75 of the switch 111 is turned on. Electronic scope 2
2 has the advantage of being able to perform various types of image processing and image analysis, but for that reason it is desirable to be able to output raw data that has not been processed as much as possible. Therefore, the reference output can be performed. An image processing device or the like can be used by connecting to the NTSC-RGB output end of the video processor 24 instead of the monitor 25.

It should be noted that, as compared with the reference gain, the magnification of each of the RGB colors is displayed in a superimposed manner.

The lines extending on both sides of the reference color switch 111 are normal lines 112.

Next, the dimming function will be described.

The dimming circuit 64 controls the diaphragm amount of the diaphragm 36 so that the magnitude of the video signal input to the circuit 64 becomes a preset value. The set value is changed stepwise or continuously by operating the brightness switch group 113 of the operation panel 72. This switch group 113
Includes a fixed brightness switch 11 as a second instruction means.
4. Brightness up / down change switch 1 as first instruction means
15, a brightness increase switch 116, a brightness normalization switch 117, and a brightness decrease switch 118 are provided.

Then, the brightness increase switch 116 is set to 1
When it is pressed twice, the set value is increased by one step and the monitor 25, 2
The endoscopic image of 6 becomes brighter by one step. When the switch 116 is pressed once again, it becomes brighter by one step. On the contrary, when the brightness reduction switch 118 is pressed, the brightness decreases by one step.

When the brightness up / down change switch 115 is pressed, the LED 75 of the switch 115 is turned on, and the aperture control device 66 reciprocates between the fully open and fully closed states of the aperture 36 according to a command from the dimming circuit 64. Drive, and thus the brightness becomes brighter and darker. Even if the third switch 53 of the electronic scope 22, that is, the dimmer switch is pressed once, the brightness fluctuates between light and dark in this way, and the brightness up / down change switch 11
The LED 75 of No. 5 is turned on.

When the brightness up / down change switch 115 is turned on, the brightness fixed switch 114 or the third brightness
When the switch 53 is pressed, the brightness is fixed in that state. That is, when the fixed brightness switch 114 is pressed, the magnitude of the video signal input to the dimming circuit 64 reaches the set value, and automatic dimming is performed thereafter so that the video signal reaches the set value. In this case, the LED 75 of the brightness up / down change switch 115 is turned off.

In contrast enhancement, which will be described later, the appropriate brightness range is narrowed, and thus the appropriate brightness can be easily obtained by the brightness variation function. Also,
It is also convenient to change the brightness according to the case when displaying in black and white after selecting the color. Therefore, even when an attempt is made to observe a deep part of a body cavity, for example, a trachea, a proper dimming state can be obtained. That is, the desired part can be displayed well and the observability can be improved.

The dimming circuit 64 is a toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61, a contrast converting circuit 62, and a contour emphasizing circuit 63.
In the subsequent stage, since automatic light control is performed based on the signals processed by these circuits 61, 62, 63, the brightness is always appropriate. Since the electronic scope 22 is provided with the third switch 53 as a dimmer switch, the operability is good.

On the other hand, when the brightness standardization switch 117 is pressed, the dimming level (set value) is set to the standard value. The LED 75 of the switch 117 is turned on when the dimming level is the reference value, and is turned off otherwise. It should be noted that if the light-dark change is performed in about 4 seconds per round trip, it will not be too early or too late.

Next, the calculation function will be described.

This calculation function includes a blood flow function analysis mode as a first calculation function, an RB mode as a second calculation function, and a third R / G mode.

The arithmetic switch group 89 is provided with a blood flow analysis switch 121, an RB output switch 122, an R / G output switch 123, and a normal output switch 91.

When the blood flow analysis switch 121 is pressed, the fourth switch 54, that is, the multi-switch is set to the blood flow function analysis mode, and the LED 7 of the blood flow analysis switch 121 is set.
5 blinks. When the fourth switch 54 is pressed in this state,
The LED of the blood flow analysis switch 121 is turned on, and the following calculation is performed in the color matching / matrix / calculation circuit 61.
That is, the R input from each pixel (i) of the CCD 42 (this is represented by Rii. That is, Rii is the color adjustment of the i-th pixel.
R input to the matrix / arithmetic circuit 61. ) And the G input (Gii), and the output (Y
oi) is generated. (Here, Yoi represents the luminance signal conversion output of the NTSC composite signal from this circuit 61 of the i-th pixel.) Here, the output Yoi is: Yoi = C1 · log2 {(Rii + C2) / (Gii + C
2)}. C1 and C2 are constants, and C2 is the rotary filter 3
Yoi (luminance signal level at each point) by properly setting the spectral transmission characteristics of the R, G, B filters 40R, 40G, 40B of 8 and the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the CCD 42 and the output characteristics of the video processor 24. Has a positive correlation with mucosal hemoglobin concentration. (This is a GASTROENTEROLOGICAL END
OSCOPY Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society Vol.29 No3
Some of them are described in "Examination of functional image analysis of gastric mucosa using electronic endoscope". The constant C2 is, for example, C2 = 1, and the values of C1 and C2 can be set or changed from the keyboard 27. Here, the colorization switch group 94 is the monochrome display switch 95 or the normal image switch 9
When the blood flow analysis mode is working, the LED 75 of the monochrome display switch 95 is turned on.

When the fourth switch 54 is pressed again, when the colorization switch group 94 is set to the normal image switch 97, the normal image (color) is restored, and the colorization switch group 94 is set to the monochrome display switch 95. When the image is displayed, it returns to a normal image (black and white).

When the colorization switch group 94 is set to the pseudo color switch 96, the pseudo color process according to the Y signal is performed during the operation of the blood flow analysis mode, and when the work is stopped, the normal image is normally displayed. Displayed in color.

Since the fourth switch 54 is provided in the operation section of the electronic scope 22, the operability is good and the normal image and the operation image can be compared alternately. The blood flow analysis function can be used together with the contrast enhancement function, the contour enhancement function, and the pseudo color function. Also, dimming and dimming level switching are possible.

During the operation of this mode, the gain for each of the R, G and B signals is automatically set to the reference value (the LED 75 of the reference color switch 111 is turned on), and the pre-operation state is obtained by stopping the operation. Return. This mode does not affect the dimming level setting. Incidentally, C1 is set so as to have standard brightness when the diaphragm amount of the diaphragm 36 is a reference value.
However, it can be changed from the keyboard 27.

Incidentally, this calculation is performed by digital calculation. If the calculation takes time, the number of display frames may be reduced from 30 frames per second to about 10 frames per second, and the same content may be output every 3 frames.

Here, the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61
R, G, B output from each is Roi = 0.3Yoi, Goi = 0.5
9Yoi and Boi = 0.11Yoi. (Note that Roi is the R output from this circuit 61 of the i-th pixel.
The same applies to Boi. ) ◎ That is, each output is a monochrome output.

In the blood flow analysis mode, the RB mode, the R / G mode, etc., when an operation other than addition is performed between the respective wavelength range components, the toning / matrix The arithmetic circuit 61 outputs a video signal which results in a monochrome screen. The color processing circuit 65 processes the video signal resulting in a monochrome screen and converts it into a video signal resulting in a pseudo color screen. In a mode in which an operation other than addition is performed between each wavelength range component, a monochrome screen is displayed when the monochrome display switch 95 or the normal image switch 97 is selected, and a pseudo color screen is displayed when the pseudo color switch 96 is selected. Becomes

In the calculation mode and the color selection mode, the toning is automatically normal, and the gains for R, G and B are reference gains. This is because the displayed contents are greatly affected by the toning, and quantitative and constant diagnosis cannot be performed.

In the color selection mode, the normal image switch 97
When is selected, the screen remains the selected color, when the monochrome display switch 95 is selected, the monochrome screen is selected, and when the pseudo color switch 96 is selected, the pseudo color screen is selected.

In the calculation mode and color selection mode, the selected mode and constant are superimposed on the screen.
“G (1.7)” indicates that C11 = 1.7 in G mode, and “G + B (1.25 / 2)” indicates C6 = 1.2 in G + B mode.
5 shows that C7 = 2.

Next, the second arithmetic function, that is, the RG mode will be described.

In this mode, the toning is normal.
In this mode, the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61
Output a black and white signal of Yoi = C3 (Rii + C4 × Gii) (where C3 and C4 are constants). Generally, C4 = 2-4, and C3 is about 5.
C3 and C4 can be set and changed by the keyboard 27.
Method of operating and LED of RB output switch 122
The blinking / lighting of 75 is the same as that of the blood flow analysis switch 121. The switches 121 to 123, 114 and 115 and the G + B switches 125 and R of the color selection switch group 92 described later.
The + B switch 126, the R switch 127, the G switch 128, and the B switch 129 are selection switches of 10 choices, and when one of the switches 121 to 123 and 125 to 129 is pressed, the contents of the fourth switch 54 are changed. Set. On the other hand, the switches 114 and 115 have the same function and return to the normal state.

In this mode, since the influence of light and darkness due to surface reflection is removed, it is possible to visualize a state close to the deep part of the body cavity wall.

Appropriate numerical values are set for C3 and C4 depending on the main target lesion and examination site.

Next, the third arithmetic function, that is, the R / G mode will be described.

In this mode, toning is normal.
Further, in this mode, the state of the hue change of the body cavity wall can be emphasized and visualized. Set appropriate values for C5 and C13 according to the main target lesion and examination site.

Next, the color selection function will be described. The toning will be normal. The G + B mode mainly picks up changes in brightness. Unlike the G mode, which will be described later, it is effective during blue dye endoscopy.

In the R + G mode, the influence of the change in the brightness of the non-pigment is excluded in the dye endoscopy for brownish or blue and the mixture thereof, and the change in the brightness due to the dye test itself is picked up. Since C9 is provided here, optimum display can be performed according to the dye used.

In the R mode, the running state of the blood vessels under the submucosa or subepithelium is more clearly changed by the R component, so that the presence or absence of the submucosa or subepithelial alteration due to a disease and its contents can be known.

In the G mode, the presence or absence of micro redness, the pattern during the redness, and the fine irregularities in irregularities in the diagnosis of the presence of micro cancer can be recognized by the change in brightness.

In the B mode, the degree of this unevenness can be seen more clearly. 8 of switches 121-123, 125-129
ON / OFF of the function is performed by the fourth switch 54. Switches 121 to 123, 12 on the operation panel 72
When 5 to 129 are pressed, the LED 75 is in a blinking state, and when the third switch 54 is pressed once, the set mode is set, and when it is pressed again, the normal state, that is, Roi
= Rii, Goi = Gii, Boi = Bii (however, the toning returns to the state before the calculation mode and the color selection mode).

Next, the pseudo color function will be described. The switches 95 to 97 of the colorization switch group 94 are three-choice switches. During operation of the calculation function and color selection function,
When the monochrome display switch 95 or the normal image switch 97 is selected, the color processing circuit 65 does nothing and outputs the input signal as it is. When the pseudo color switch 96 is selected, pseudo color processing corresponding to the brightness of the input signal is performed.

Normal state (normal output switch 91 or 9
3), the color processing circuit 65 does nothing regardless of where the switches 95 to 97 are located. However, when the monochrome display switch 95 is set, the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61 performs the arithmetic operations shown in the charts of FIGS. 10 and 11, resulting in the pseudo color switch 96.
Alternatively, when the normal image switch 97 is set, the normal color display is performed, and when the monochrome display switch 95 is set, the monochrome display is performed. The chart shown in FIG. 11 follows the chart shown in FIG. The above chart represents RGB output signals from the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61. Here, C1 to C13 are set values on the keyboard 27 corresponding to the main type of target lesion and target site.
Enter from.

When the calculation function or the color selection function is used in combination with the pseudo color function, the pseudo color switch 96
It is good to set. In that state, the fourth switch 5
By manipulating 4, it is possible to alternately output a normal color image and an image which has been subjected to arithmetic processing or color selection processing and pseudo-color processing for comparison.

Next, the contrast conversion function will be described.

The contrast switch group 130 of the operation panel 72 includes five types (A to E) of contrast enhancement switches 131 to 135 and a normal switch 136.
And a γ correction release switch 137 are provided. In the CRT built in the monitors 25 and 26, the relationship between the input luminance signal and the light emission is not linear. Therefore, CCD42
It is necessary to make the relationship between the output signal from the monitor and the light emission on the monitors 25 and 26 linear. Therefore, normal switch 1
When 36 is selected, the contrast conversion circuit 62
Then, γ correction of γ = 0.45 is performed.

On the other hand, in the diagnosis of micro cancer, a subtle change in brightness is an important diagnostic index. Therefore, a function to emphasize the change in brightness is provided by increasing the contrast. Figure 4 shows the contrast characteristics.
8 to 5 are provided so that they can be appropriately selected.

FIG. 4 shows a polygonal input / output characteristic in which the linear region of the intermediate region is widened, and FIG. 5 shows a characteristic in which 0 is below the threshold input and linear output is performed in a narrow input range above this value. 6 shows a zero-value output below the threshold value, and shows a multi-valued functional characteristic that becomes a linear output with respect to an input signal above the threshold value, and FIG. FIG. 8 shows a multi-valued function characteristic having a linear increasing and decreasing function.

The contrast enhancement switches 131 to 1
35, the normal switch 136 and the γ correction canceling switch 137 are seven alternative switches, and when the contrast enhancement switches 131 to 135 are pressed, the LED 75
Flashes. In that state, the fifth switch 5 provided on the operation unit
5, the contrast switch is pressed, LED75
Lights up, and the contrast conversion of the characteristics (FIGS. 4 to 8) corresponding to each of the switches 131 to 135 is performed.
Press the 5th switch 55 again to turn on the LED 7
5 returns to the blinking state and returns to the normal contrast characteristic.
When the normal switch 136 is pressed, the normal contrast is restored, and the contrast enhancement switches 131 to 135
The γ correction cancel switch 137 is turned off. When the normal contrast is output, the LED 75 of the normal switch 136 is always on, and at other times, the LED 75 of the switch 136 is off.

Here, the normal contrast characteristic is γ
= 0.45 (total γ = 1 as a system including the monitors 25 and 26).

The contrast conversion circuit 62 includes R, G, B
Each of them has a storage capacity of 8 bits and converts the relationship of the output to the input signal in 256 steps.

A type contrast enhancement switch 13
When 1 is selected, the characteristics are as shown in FIG. That is, the contrast in the central 3/8 region of the input signal is double the normal contrast. The contrast decreases in the dark part and the bright part. In the A type, contrast of an important part (intermediate brightness part) for diagnosis is emphasized without extremely changing the appearance of brightness and hue.

B type contrast enhancement switch 13
When 2 is selected, the characteristics shown in FIG. 5 are obtained. The contrast near the center is set to 5 times the normal. In this B type,
This is used to emphasize only the change in brightness and emphasize it. Since the actually displayed latitude becomes extremely narrow, the brightness switch group 113 or the third switch 53,
In particular, it is convenient because the brightness can be continuously changed by using the third switch 53, and the third switch 53 can be operated and fixed when a desired portion is displayed well.

C type contrast enhancement switch 13
The characteristic in the case of 3 is as shown in FIG. An enlarged latitude than in Fig. 5. Since the darkest part and the brightest part are displayed as black, a clean screen is provided by deleting the part that is not used for diagnosis, such as the brightest part.

D type contrast enhancement switch 13
When 4 is selected, the characteristics shown in FIG. 7 are obtained. The contrast is emphasized without compromising the original latitude.

E type contrast enhancement switch 13
When 5 is selected, the characteristics shown in FIG. 8 are obtained.

Here, at the time of contrast enhancement at a level at which the appearance is not extremely changed, it is preferable to keep it about 1.5 to 2.5 times. When used in combination with contour enhancement, it becomes easier to identify the difference between light and dark. When the appearance is changed drastically, emphasis of 4 times or more is effective. Also in this case,
It is more effective to use the contour enhancement and the pseudo colorization together. The contour enhancement circuit 63 is replaced by the contrast conversion circuit 62.
Since it is provided after, the contour enhancement amount (preshoot amount, overshoot amount) itself does not become larger, and the appearance becomes natural.

The γ correction cancel switch 137 is a switch for disabling the γ correction function. C
It is used when the output of the CD 42 is not processed and processed as much as possible. That is, when the γ correction cancel switch 137 is set and the fifth switch 55 is pressed, the function of the contrast conversion circuit 62 is stopped, and the video processor 24 outputs an output signal proportional to the output signal of the CCD 42 (γ = 1).

Next, the contour enhancement function will be described. The contour emphasis switch group 140 includes three contour emphasis switches 141 to 143 having different strengths and a cancel switch 144.

The switches 141 to 144 are four-choice switches, and the LED 75 of the set switch is turned on and the others are turned off. When the contour enhancement switch 143 with the normal enhancement amount is selected, normal contour enhancement is performed on all R, G, and B signals regardless of the selection of the colorization switch group 94.

Strong (high) level edge enhancement switch 14
When 2 is selected, stronger than usual contour enhancement is performed for all R, G, and B signals regardless of the setting of the colorization switch group 94.

When the contour enhancement switch 141 of the extra strength level is selected, regardless of the setting of the colorization switch group 94,
When the video processor 24 outputs a normal color image, the edge enhancement switch 142 for R and B is stronger than usual and the edge enhancement switch 142 for G is a high level.
When the video processor outputs a monochrome display or a pseudo color image, the same emphasis is performed as when the strong level contour emphasis switch 142 is selected. Since human visibility is sharp for G, contour enhancement for G is highly effective. On the other hand, since the effect of contour enhancement for R and B is lower than that of G, there is a drawback that if it is performed too much, only noise will occur.

Therefore, by not emphasizing the amount of emphasizing for R and B remarkably, but emphasizing only G, the maximum emphasizing was performed while suppressing the generation of noise. At that time, normally, only G is not set in two stages, but only normal G is set in three stages of extraordinary strength. Therefore, fine and detailed selection according to the case is possible. Edge enhancement cancel switch 1
When 44 is selected, regardless of the setting of the colorization switch group 94, outline enhancement is not performed at all, and a signal that is not processed as much as possible is output.

Next, the external control function will be described.

External control switch 151 of operation panel 72
Press to switch to external control mode and switch 151
LED 75 of turns on. This switch 151 again
When is pressed, the LED 75 of this switch 151 goes out,
Return to the previous state. In the external control mode, arithmetic processing, contrast enhancement processing, colorization processing, and extraction of only specific wavelength band components that are not related to the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotary filter 38 and the image (for example, R, G, B frames for each pixel) Since the wavelength can be identified from the RGB intensity ratio on the memories 48R, 48G, 48B, only the wavelength range component from 600 nm to 622 nm can be output.
Various types of image processing are performed.

The contents of image processing are recorded in advance on a floppy disk and read from the FDD 31.
That is, the operator can perform processing with arbitrary characteristics. Writing to the floppy disk is performed by a computer and FDD (not shown).

Since the video processor 24 of this embodiment is extremely multi-functional, there is a risk that the operator will be confused by the operation and interfere with the endoscopic examination. Therefore, the operation panel 7
The normal line 112 was provided in 2 and the normal state (or reference state) was arranged in a line. Therefore, when confused, it is easy to return to the normal state or the reference state.

Further, the operation panel 72 is provided with an all clear switch 152. If you press this switch 152,
All functions shift to a normal state or a reference state (all switches are set on the normal line 112). It is very convenient.

By the way, the superimposing circuit 68
Displays the data and the setting state of each function on the endoscopic image 155 on the monitor screen as shown in FIG. Here, R1.00, G1.00, and B1.00 are R, G, and
It shows how many times the gains of R, G, and B are set with respect to the reference gain of B, respectively. Since G is selected as a color selection on this screen and it is displayed in pseudo color, the gains of R, G, and B are automatically returned to the reference, so that all are set to 1.00. When the fourth switch 54 is pressed, the normal color image is restored, and the R, G, and B gains at that time are restored. For example, R 0.8, G
It is displayed as 1.02, B0.97.

Here, the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 6
1, the contrast conversion circuit 62, the contour enhancement circuit 63, and the color processing circuit 65 are digital image processing circuits each having a frame memory. The flow of processing in each case may be omitted because a known technique may be used. The circuits indicated by the reference numerals 61 to 65 and the frame memories 48R, 48G and 48B may be considered as one digital image processing circuit, and the circuit configuration or the program configuration may be simplified by reducing the number of free memory.

Further, analog image processing may be performed instead of digital image processing. In particular, for contour enhancement and the like, the circuit when converted to analog requires a relatively small scale.

Each of the above-mentioned examples can improve the diagnostic ability, but as a specific example thereof, since the running state of blood vessels under the submucosa or subepithelium can be more clearly understood by the red component, it may depend on the disease. Understand whether submucosal or subepithelial alteration and its contents.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the presence or absence of micro redness (this appears especially when the brightness changes) and the pattern during redness (this is the color, especially the brightness) are used for diagnosing the presence of micro cancer. Changes appear) and minute irregularities of irregularities are diagnostic indicators, but changes in brightness are more clearly seen by the green component, and irregularities are more clearly seen by the blue component.

The present invention can be applied not only to the field-sequential endoscope apparatus (endoscope system) shown in FIG. 2 but also to a system including a color filter built-in electronic scope under white illumination. Is. It is also applicable to the case where a TV camera is attached to the eyepiece of the fiberscope to take an image.

Since the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61 is provided in front of the contrast converting circuit 62 or the contour emphasizing circuit 63, it functions correctly. Since the toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61 is before the general γ correction (in this embodiment, the contrast converting circuit 62 is used), an accurate output can be obtained in that respect as well. It goes without saying that the color matching / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61 is placed before the color processing circuit 65.

The contour emphasizing circuit 63 may be provided after the color processing circuit 65.

The dimming circuit 64 is used as a toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 61, a contrast converting circuit 62, and a contour emphasizing circuit 63.
Since it has been done after the above, an image with appropriate brightness can be obtained even if various processes are performed. The dimming circuit 64 may be provided after the color processing circuit 65. The video signal may be digitally output without D / A conversion. Superimpose circuit 68
May be a digital circuit in front of the D / A converter 67.

The VTR 28, SVF 29, AUX 30
Can be an ordinary consumer product for NTSC.

In addition to the keyboard 27, a magnetic card or I
Patient data may be input from a C card or an optical card.

Also, the TV system is not limited to NTSC, but P
It may be AL or SECAM. In the case of monochrome display, the color temperature may be high or low. It may also include some hue difference. That is, the change can be made within a range in which the same effect can be obtained.

[0136]

As described above, according to the endoscopic device of the present invention, proper dimming is obtained according to an observation target such as a disease case to improve the visibility of the subject and improve the diagnostic ability of the subject. The effect is that it can be increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment.

2 to 11 relate to a second embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing various switches provided on an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing an input / output characteristic of a contrast conversion circuit when a first type contrast enhancement switch is selected.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing input / output characteristics of a contrast conversion circuit of the second type.

FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing input / output characteristics of a contrast conversion circuit of a third type.

FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing input / output characteristics of a contrast conversion circuit of the fourth type.

FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing input / output characteristics of a contrast conversion circuit of the fifth type.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which data and the setting state of each function are superimposed on the monitor screen.

FIG. 10 is a chart showing the relationship between setting signals and output signals in the color matching / matrix / arithmetic circuit.

FIG. 11 is a chart that follows the chart shown in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 21 ... Endoscope device 2 ... Fiberscope 5 ... Camera head 6, 24 ... Video processor 7-10, 13, 25, 26 ... Monitor 12, 28 ... VTR 22 ... Electronic scope 27 ... Keyboard 36 ... Aperture 51- 55 ... Switch 61 ... Toning / matrix / arithmetic circuit 62 ... Contrast conversion circuit 63 ... Edge enhancement circuit 64 ... Dimmer circuit 65 ... Color processing circuit 66 ... Aperture control circuit 72 ... Operation panel 113 ... Brightness switch group 114 ... Brightness Fixed switch 115 ... Vertical change switch 116 ... Brightness increase switch 117 ... Brightness standardization switch 118 ... Brightness decrease switch

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, an illuminating means for emitting illumination light for illuminating the subject, and an automatic light amount of the illumination light in a predetermined procedure set in advance. And a light amount control means for performing dimming control so that the light intensity is increased or decreased. 2. A first instruction unit that can give an instruction to the light amount control unit to start the dimming control, and the light amount to stop the dimming control started by the light amount control unit. Second that can give instructions to the control means
And the light amount control means stops the dimming control started by the instruction of the first instruction means by the instruction from the second instruction means, and stops the light control. The dimming level at the time when the instruction is issued is set as a reference level, and the light amount of the illumination light is dimming-controlled so as to maintain this reference level. Endoscope device.